Brooklyn based trio Alaara (pronounced ahlah -ahrah) explores the relationship between their signature longform improvisations and renowned Russian film director Andrei Tarkovsky‘s visual worlds. Alaara uses the “pressure of time” concepts that Tarkovsky so famously explored as architecture for their improvisational language. The trio will perform a pseudo “live score” alongside selections from his films.

Tarkovsky’s films center the effect of staying emotionally present. His long takes, immersive haunting visuals, and little to no dialogue leaves you with the depth of a feeling, rather than a clear story. Deeply inspired by Tarkovsky’s approach to filmmaking, Alaara’s sound world embodies the words of Tarkovsky himself – “Give a shot enough time, and meaning will be formed of its own accord.”

Sonya Belaya piano/synths
Grey McMurray guitar
Nicole Patrick drums

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. Watch below or on YouTube.

Brooklyn-based trio Alaara includes Grey McMurray on guitar, Sonya Belaya on piano, and Nicole Patrick on drums. The trio creates long form improvisations that prioritize patience, effortlessly traversing the spaces of jazz, experimental minimalism, and ambient music. In the lineage of loving friendship, the trio’s strength lies in the deepest listening, the vastness of their individual multiplicities, and an understanding that the present moment is the most precious one.